Orphans in Ukraine who are thankfully better
cared for now than they were even ten, much less twenty years ago. Yet there is still so far to go.
On an October day in 1990, twelve-year-old Colleen saw something on her television that changed the way she saw the world. It was a “20/20” television news report that showed the standard of living at the time for Romanian orphans. When young Colleen saw starving, unclothed children her own age sitting in their own waste her heart broke. She decided then and there that she wanted to do something. Someday, she decided, she was going to make a difference in the lives of these children. On a day in August six years later, as Colleen was starting her freshman year of college, a Ukrainian girl was born. A little girl who would come to mean a great deal to Colleen. This child, Alexandra, was born with Arthrogryposis Multiplex Congenita (AMC) a disorder causing stiff, deformed joints, abnormal mental development and malformed muscles. Her natural parents must have been shocked and saddened when they saw their daughter’s arms and legs. In Ukraine it is widely believed that a disability is a shameful curse. All the joy of a new child must have died in that birth mother’s heart. In Eastern European countries parents of disabled children were often encouraged to commit their disabled child to institutional care. There were strict legal regulations excluding them from schools. “Children, assessed as handicapped would usually be admitted to institutions, since legal classification as disabled prevented them from entering mainstream nurseries and schools. Thus, the birth of a disabled child meant that both the mother and child could not be considered as active, valued citizens”
I a m somebody | 3
Alexandra’s birth parents did what they must have been expected to do, and signed their baby over to the state, hoping perhaps that she would receive better care than they would be able to provide for her condition. Sadly this was not the case for Alexandra. Like hundreds of thousands of other unwanted children, she was placed in an overcrowded baby-house. Typical of the understaffed and underfunded facilities, she was, for the better part of four years, left
ßnd no one can explain what happened next. largely unattended in a crib. No loving human interaction. No
physical therapy. No mental stimulation.
Instead of the typical age of six, Alexandra was transferred to
an older-child orphanage at the age of four. She was meant to be taken to nearby “Orphanage 39” which is where her file was transferred. However Alexandra herself was inexplicably driven to an orphanage much farther away called Znamenka. This “mistake” probably saved Alexandra’s life. Znamenka was becoming a much better orphanage than its counterparts due to the efforts of a woman named Tatiana.
4 | I a m somebody
Even though their orphanage is slowly being improved by Tatiana (bottom right) and others, these angels still crave the love and attention only a family can give them.
Tatiana had become the director of Znamenka only months before Alexandra arrived. Unlike many orphanage directors in Ukraine, Tatiana truly cared about the children in her care whether they were physically disabled, challenged mentally, or both. She saw the worth in those tiny bodies.
Znamenka When Alexandra arrived in Znamenka, she was met by the caring Tatiana. Little Alexandra was malnourished and avoided everyone’s gaze. The baby-house had not been good to her. Thankfully this orphanage was the best possible place she could have been sent. Tatiana had already begun doing everything in her power to make life more bearable for these children, reaching out for aid from resources like the Children of Chornobyl Relief and Development Fund. That very year Joseph Sywenkyj, an investigative intern with the Children of Chornobyl Relief and Development Fund (CCRDF) took photos in two Ukranian orphanages to draw attention to the plight of children living there. One of these was Znamenka, which thanks to Tatiana applying for aid, had better conditions than the other orphanage that Joseph witnessed. Still, the situation was
Zna menk a | 5
Far Left: Katie, A nine yearh old girl with Down Syndrome, just after she was adopted. She was rescued from an institution which had kept her in a crib since babyhood. More about Katie can be read on page __ Left: Katie’s hands in her adoptive mother’s palms. Right: Bishop Daniel and Olga Coffey of they UOC visit the orphans of Znamenka in 2012.
horrific: “Children tied to the walls by their legs and others, half-naked in tattered clothes were
in three orphanages for severely disabled children. One of these orphanages was Znamenka.
lying on the urine-soaked wooden floor. Their
The facilities were updated, more staff was
legs and bodies were contorted in every
hired, and food and medicines were made
angle but straight. In the playrooms, a few
available. These advances were made
children sat on steel pots, which are used as
possible by a grant from Orycia Federwicz
toilets because the orphanage does not have
and Natalie Dedeluk, two parishioners of St.
indoor plumbing.”
Volodymyr in California.
Children died so often at both orphanages
When Alexandra turned 7 the Ukrainian
that one worker at Znamenka told Sywenkyj
Orthodox Church of the USA made their first
‘you get used to it.’ Sywenkyj’s photographs
mission trip to Znamenka. Young adults from
were displayed in Washington D.C with his
the USA now visit Ukraine every summer
hope that “...when people view the images
and spend a few weeks in CCRDF’s partner
they will be inspired to take action...”
orphanages helping the disabled children.
And action came. Archbishop Antony of
These trips are headed by Bishop Daniel of
The Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the USA
the UOC, and team leader Olga Coffey.
(UOC), in partnership with the Children of
The children of Znamenka grew to love both
Chornobyl began an orphanage program
of these extraordinary people and eagerly
intended to improve the living conditions
awaited their visit each year.
6 | Zna menk a
I vividly remember the exact moment my reality shifted, when I visited the orphanages of Ukraine for the very first time some 15 years ago. There were metal bed frames, some with mattresses and some without. There were children on the concrete floor. The combined smell of urine, human body odor and vomit was unbearable. In that precise moment, my whole world was turned upside down. I still feel the expressions on their faces burning in my eyes and the emotion of their screams ringing in my ears. It is a moment that will be forever etched in my memory and will forever influence every decision I make. Life became something new…Things are different at the orphanages now. Znamenka orphanage, under the leadership of a kind director Tatiana For more information about the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the USA who have contributed to our Orphanage Adoption Program visit uocofusa.org
Ivanivna Walko, has always been an example of loving care for the orphans and their basic needs. Physical rehabilitation rooms with appropriate equipment, decent clothing, play grounds, better nutrition – these are fruits of the labor of all the faithful of our Holy Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the USA who have contributed to our Orphanage Adoption Program over the past 15 years – fruits that changed not only the physical structure of the orphanage, but the way in which the children there are cared for. Bishop Daniel of the UOC
Zna menk a | 7
“ respond to the cries and needs of those with whom we share the great gift of being created in the image and likeness of God.�
-Saint John Chrysostom
8 | Zna menk a
reflections from Znamenka
Mission team members reflect on their experience in Ukraine.
“As I reflect on this mission trip, the phrase
Everyday, smiling, laughing, and holding
‘And remember/The truth that once was spo-
the hands of these children have made a dif-
ken/To love another person is to see the face
ference in their lives. It is a beautiful gift to be
of God’ from Les Miserables keeps playing
able to come here and learn with the children.
in my head. The impact that the love each
I came here thinking that I would bring the
child has for a complete stranger, even from
light of Christ to them, but instead I now think
the moment they meet them, is nothing short of
that they have brought the light of Christ to
extraordinary. It is simple, it is pure, it is some-
me.” - Taylor
thing that is rarely seen within the modern, distrusting society that we live it. Being able
“I truly believe that the children have also
to experience that love, if only for a moment,
ministered to us. I pray that we have been
is extremely humbling and gives you a reality
able to impact the lives of these children
check about life. That is what I will remember
just as positively and purely as they have
from this journey – the face of God… – is
impacted our lives.” - Christopher
present in every single one of these children. I will cherish the time I spent with each of them for the rest of my life.” – Irene
“…The orphans of Ukraine have caused me to reexamine not only my understanding of
love, but how to express that love to others...
“This trip has been one of the biggest wake
service begins with humility, with compassion,
up calls and learning experiences of my life. I
and with affirming God’s image in each and
have found that I need to reevaluate what my
every human being regardless of their out-
purpose is, and what is important to me in life.
ward (or inward) condition.”
- Alison
There isn’t enough time in this life not to love the people around you. There isn’t time to be judgmental. There isn’t time to be selfish. God has bestowed so many wonderful blessings on us, and the largest blessing of all is to have each other.
Zna menk a | 9
While Alexandra was growing up in Ukraine, Colleen was studying nursing and growing into adulthood. In the fall of 1997, she met a young man named Nate. They soon married and planned to start a family. Their first pregnancy ended in a miscarriage, but it confirmed for the couple how much they wanted to be parents. Over the next few years the couple had three healthy daughters. Colleen worked night shifts at a hospital to put Nate through seminary, and with three small
and Colleen joyfully welcomed a baby boy
children it proved to be an extremely difficult
to their family the next year. Colleen knew
time in her life.
then that she was open to whatever God had
At last Nate was finished with his seminary
planned for their family, believing that “Each
studies and accepted a position as senior pas-
one of our children are a gift, whether we get
tor of a church, and Colleen was able to stay
to keep them with us or not.” This extended to
home with her children. Colleen was expect-
the thought of opening their home to adopted
ing another child and excited about her grow-
children.
ing family. Tragically she lost the baby, which
Searching for encouragement and practical
brought her to a point where she considered
tips about raising her growing family, Colleen
avoiding future pregnancies for fear of los-
discovered an online community of “Moms
ing another child. After recovering, however,
with many young siblings” or MOMYS. One
Colleen came to the conclusion that it was
mother in particular, Susanna, became an
an act of presumption to refuse to be open to
inspiration to Colleen. An experienced mother
more children because she was afraid of the
of nine, Susanna encouraged Colleen through
pain that so often accompanies love. Nate
posts, and built her up in her faith.
10 | Nate & Coleen
Above: The Harlan Family Right: Susanna’s ultrasound image of Verity in utero.
In February of 2010,
Susanna wrote, “That five minute video was the
Susanna found out halfway
second transformative doorway we walked through. My
through the pregnancy of her tenth child, that
husband and I looked at one another after watching the
her youngest daughter “Verity” would most
video. As our eyes met, we knew that we would adopt
likely be born with Down Syndrome and a
a child like that one day if God opened the door.
severe heart defect. Susanna began blogging
“We learned that all across Eastern Europe, children
about her journey, ”compelled by God to
born with special needs are routinely put into orphan-
write down the story as He would tell it.” Col-
ages at birth. Then at some point, depending on the
leen followed her every step of the way.
child and the country, they are transferred to adult men-
Several other readers of Susanna’s blog “The Blessing of Verity” began thinking about
tal institutions. These are places that aren’t fit for a dog, let alone an extra needy and vulnerable child.
adopting a child with Down Syndrome. A
We learned that about 80% of the children die within
friend asked Susanna to
their first year of transfer to one of these grim institutions.
recommend reading for her to prepare for the needs of an adopted child with Down Syndrome. As Susanna researched this topic, she came across something that completely changed the course of her family’s life, and by
They receive poor nourishment. They receive only one diaper change a day if that. They learn not to cry, since nobody ever comes to help them. There was a little girl on the Serbia video who cut into our hearts. She was a little girl with Down Syndrome, looking at us with her almond-shaped eyes through the bars of her crib. It was as if we were seeing our own little Verity, lying there neglected and unloved. Before two months had passed, God had placed us
extension Colleen’s life as well. Susanna had
in a position to adopt. From that point on, He moved
come across a short Youtube clip called, “The
mountain after mountain to enable us to bring Katie
Dark Side of Serbian Mental Institutions.”
home as our daughter.”
Susanna & Verit y | 11
When Susanna posted “The Dark Side of Serbian Mental Institutions” video on her blog in October 2010, Nate and Collen watched it and had the same heart-rending reaction to it as Susanna and her husband. For Colleen it brought her back to the moment she witnessed the 20/20 special about orphans when she was young. For Nate it was incredibly eye opening to a situation he did not know existed. Together they decided that as soon as they were in the position to do so, they would pursue adopting a disabled orphan. They both followed Susanna’s adoption journey with keen interest and began praying that they would reach a point in their lives that they might be able to bring one of these children home.
Above: Katie at age 11, is doing well now that she is loved and cared for Right: Katie at the age of nine in her new mother’s arms She was so frail from malnourishment and neglegt that as soon as she arrived in the U.S. she was taken directly to a hospital.
12 | Susanna & Verit y
A few months after being intentional about
scouted out the other kids that were listed from
praying for the ability to adopt, Nate got
there to get more information and to recruit
a raise at the church he was pastoring, the
families for them on her blog. Alexandra was
house they had been trying to sell finally
supposed to be there and her file was there,
sold, and they were able to find a house
but she herself was nowhere to be found. After
large enough for their constantly growing
returning to the U.S. Renee began searching
family—the couple were expecting their sixth
for Alexandra via the internet, talking about
child. Adoption was still in their thoughts, but
her on message boards, asking if anyone
it was not something the couple thought they
knew where she was. Reece’s Rainbow got
would be able to do for a few years yet. In
involved, the adoption facilitators in Ukraine
the meantime they prayed intentionally, that
got involved, and she was finally located in
they would know when the right time to adopt
Znamenka. By the middle of February, Serge,
would be. Colleen watched for children
the main adoption facilitator in Ukraine, who
online through various sites including Reece’s
knew Alexandra, made sure that Reece’s Rain-
Rainbow, a website dedicated to fundrais-
bow listed her correctly.
ing and finding families for disabled orphans
Once she was ‘found,’ everyone who had
around the world. She wanted to be involved
been involved in searching for her realized the
in praying for specific children to find homes.
urgency of her situation.
FINDING ALEXANDRA Meanwhile Alexandra was becoming a
If not adopted by her 16th birthday Alexandra would no longer be available for adop-
young woman, and no one had any interest in
tion and she would be placed in an adult
adopting her.
mental institution, despite her perfect mind. In
In January 2012, a woman named Renee
a place like that she would have her beautiful
traveled to “Orphanage 39’ in Ukraine with
curls shaved, and be forcefully confined to a
her husband to adopt their daughter Emma.
bed all day, everyday, for the rest of her life.
A social worker in the United States, Renee
Many young people die from disease and
found Emma through a listing on Reece’s
neglect after a few months in those conditions.
Rainbow. While at Orphanage 39, Renee
Alexandra would turn 16 that August.
finding alex andra | 13
This is what a sixteen year old girl in the
Alexandra’s situation seemed hopeless. Typi-
USA with the same disability as Alexandra
cal oversea adoptions takes 12-36 months to
wrote on her blog that February:
complete, and Alexandra had only 6 months left, and no one had spoken for her.
Every time I see a picture of Alexandra
Shortly after she was listed correctly, the
my heart shatters. Her smile could light up a
online community for Arthrogryposis Multiplex
room and yet she is in an institution because
Congenita (AMC) discovered Alexandra, and
her limbs don’t work like everyone else’s.
began fundraising for her, and many began
I too have limbs that don’t work like everyone else’s but at 16 I am not in an institution. With a family, her life could be wonder-
to pray and blog on her behalf. Once this network of caring individuals were aware of her, Alexandra’s grant on Reece’s Rainbow
ful. Or it could end. In August. I almost want
grew to over half of the amount it would take
to say Alexandra has six months to live. And
to bring her home.
even though she’s not dying, it’s a true statement. [Without a family] hope will be gone in six months.
Left: The photo which was posted with Alexandra’s profile on Reece’s Rainbow. It is the image that Nate and Colleen would first see of thier daughter. Right: An image of a young Alexandra in Znamenka.
14 | Alex andra in danger
The mission of Reece’s Rainbow is to advocate and find families for orphans with Down Syndrome and other special needs by raising funds for adoption grants and promoting awareness through an online community, media communications, and other events. The site was created by Andrea Roberts (Right, with her son Reece), the mother of a 10-year-old boy with Down Syndrome,
Down Syndrome. By raising money to offer
and a passionate advocate for other children around the world
adoption grants on waiting children, Reese’s
who were born with that extra 21st chromosome.
Rainbow gives adoptive families the extra
Like many unsuspecting birth parents, she and her husband
financial help they need to bring a child with
grieved for quite some time after Reece’s birth. Andrea wrote;
Down Syndrome home from a miserable exis-
“The life we had envisioned for ourselves and our first-born-son was turned completely upside down, and we felt very much alone.
tence in overseas orphanages. The Sponsorship Program provides a unique
We were so blessed to find help through the Down Syndrome
opportunity for anonymous donors to contrib-
Association of Atlanta and Parent-to-Parent of Georgia. Our faith
ute to the adoption journey of families. These
that God had given Reece to us, and us to Reece, for a purpose,
children are viewed as outcasts with no ability
carried us through our darkest hours. The beauty and innocence
to learn or be functional members of society.
that a child with Down Syndrome brings to the world is truly one
They languish in mental institutions, hidden
of Divine nature. God has led me through some very difficult times, away from the world in shame. but waiting on the other side of that “rainbow” for me was enlightenment, empowerment, compassion, mercy, and a tremendous “calling” to reach out to other children like Reece who were not as fortunate as he to have a loving, supportive family to grow up in.” Reece’s Rainbow was started in 2004 as an outreach program
Reece’s Rainbow has been powered by the grace of God and thousands of passionate advocates. In only 6 years, they have found adoptive families for more than 900+ orphaned children with Down Syndrome and
serving new families with babies with Down Syndrome at North-
other special needs around the world. More
side Hospital in Atlanta, GA. In 2006, the program expanded
than $4.5 million in grant funds have been
to include promoting the international adoption of children with
disbursed to make those adoptions possible.
“The beauty and innocence that a child with Down Syndrome brings to the world is truly one of Divine nature.”
reece's rainbow | 15
While all of this was taking place, Nate and Colleen were still
the couple discovered just how many people
intending on adopting in a few year’s time, praying, sometimes
around the world already loved Alexandra
tearfully, that they would know when the right time was.
and were advocating for her.
Then one night, on March 31st, Colleen was on the internet
When they woke up the next day they were
reading Susanna’s blog (which she did almost daily) and saw
elated and felt at perfect peace with their
Alexandra’s shining face. Then one night, on March 31st, Colleen
decision. Even though the timing wasn’t what
was on the internet reading Susanna’s blog (which she did almost
they had planned, the couple felt an unmistak-
daily) and saw Alexandra’s shining face. After reading Alexan-
able call from God in their hearts to go and
dra’s story, a young girl who wanted to be adopted and who
rescue Alexandra. The beautiful connection
might be condemned to life in an horrendous mental institution
was that because Susanna had Verity she was
simply for turning sixteen, Colleen began to cry.
in the right place not only to adopt her own
Nate, concerned about his wife’s sudden tears, paused his
daughter but to encourage Colleen and Nate
video game and asked her what the matter was. Colleen tear-
and alert them to Alexandra’s need at just the
fully explained Alexandra’s plight. Without saying a word to the
time that Colleen and Nate were ready and
tearful Colleen, Nate left the room, walked out the front door, and
able to respond.
paced in the chilly spring night. Puzzled at first, Colleen came to
Nate called his brother for advice and
the conclusion that her husband was talking to God. When he
asked him, “Are we crazy to try and do this?”
finally came back in, Nate told his wife;
Nate’s brother confirmed that they were not
In his heart he reached a crystal clear conclusion - they could not
crazy. Nate and Colleen also spoke with
let this happen. They had to try.
trusted pastors, and got the affirmation and
That evening God began to knit Nate and Colleen’s hearts to Alexandra. That was the night they adopted her in their hearts.
support they needed to start pursuing Alexandra in earnest.
The couple knew that with only four impossibly short moths left
Colleen began spending eight hours a
they would need to move swiftly, and trust God to work out details
day filling out the mountains of paperwork
that were beyond their control. Little did they realize just how
required for an adoption. They announced it
much groundwork had already been laid for the journey ahead.
to their Church the very next weekend, and
Staying up late into the night trying to find out more about her,
online. The celebration that happened online
“Someone needs to do something —and I think it should be us.”
when Nate and Colleen announced that they
16 | Alex andra in danger
wanted to adopt Alexandra was overwhelming. Everyone who had been advocating,
praying, donating, and blogging were
This was a huge encouragement, monetarily and emo-
overjoyed that Alexandra had a chance at a
tionally for Nate and Colleen. Without Mr. Henry, the
family. Nate and Colleen met with Gateway
couple would not have been able to raise the amount
Woods, an adoption agency that would
needed in time.
expedite their adoption, since literally every
At last, after months of pushing paper, and crossing
day was important and time was dwindling.
fingers and waiting, Nate and Colleen found them-
For example, a home study program for pro-
selves booking tickets to go get their girl. It was early
spective adoptions can easily take six months,
August, and the couple prayed they would make it to
while this one took one. Thankfully the paper-
her on time and that she wouldn’t be gone when they
work was going smoothly, but the couple
got there. They kissed their children goodbye, leaving
didn’t have much time to raise the funds they
them in the loving care of several families from Trinity.
needed to rescue their would-be daughter. While researching Alexandra’s condition,
When the couple arrived in Ukraine they had a court date to accept Alexandra’s file. Because of confusion
Colleen stumbled upon a local businessman
about a law that had been in
who, according to Wikipedia, had the same
place when Alexandra was
condition as Alexandra. It seemed amazing to
born, officials believed they
Colleen that he lived so close. Without expect-
would have to track down
ing any response, she sent an e-mail through
Alexandra’s birth parents for
his company website, explaining Alexandra’s
adoption consent, preventing
position, and asking for any advice he might
Nate and Colleen from going
have in regard to treatment options.
to see her. However, Serge
Within hours Mr. John Henry III called
(right), the facilitator who
back, enthusiastically offering to match five-
helped Alexandra get listed in the first place, knew the
thousand dollars of what the family raised for
law, and fixed the situation. Serge wasn’t even in the
the adoption, an amount they were closing in
country at the time as he and his team facilitate many
on just through donations from friends, family,
different adoptions worldwide. Without Serge’s willing-
and church family. As a child Mr. Henry had
ness to bend over backwards for every orphan he can
been treated at a Shriner’s Children’s Hospital,
help, Alexandra would have been lost. Because of one
where Alexandra would have the opportunity
person’s intervention, Nate and Colleen were finally
to be treated for her condition free of charge.
allowed to travel to see Alexandra.
Alex andra in danger | 17
When they did arrive in Znamenka, Tatiana,
Without any warning Alexandra was wheeled into the room.
the orphanage director met them at the train
The girl they had only seen in pictures – the daughter they had
station. Although she could not speak English,
been longing to rescue – was there in front of them. Colleen ran
she was clearly happy to see them. Tatiana
to her immediately and tears came to her eyes.
has a true heart for the children under her
Nate still talks with a husky and emotionally charged voice
care, and she knows that no child belongs
about the moment he first saw Alexandra. She was very shy and
in an orphanage, much less a mental institu-
could only glance at these people who were supposed to be her
tion, and she couldn’t protect Alexandra much
parents. Within hours of meeting them, Alexandra had to sign
longer.
a statement declaring that she wanted to be adopted by these
After getting settled in an apartment, Nate and Colleen went to the orphanage. The
people. There was no hesitation. Alexandra was very focused; she wanted to be adopted.
translator who was supposed to accompany them was ill, and the couple was unsure about how they would communicate with anyone. They opened the door of the orphanage and encountered a woman on her way out. She began asking them something in Russian. After Nate told her that they didn’t speak Russian, the woman replied in perfect English “Oh, you’re American!” After Nate and Coleen had picked their jaws up off the floor, the woman introduced herself as Olya, in Znamenka with Bishop Daniel for their yearly mission from the U.S.
The next weeks were filled with Nate and Colleen visiting with
The Bishop offered to translate for the couple,
Alexandra at the orphanage and meeting the other children. Not
and as they talked Nate and Colleen real-
all the children there are as mobile at Znamenka, even with all
ized that this man, who Alexandra knew and
the advances they have made, they still do not have the staff to
trusted, would be the one to introduce them to
give them the attention that they need. The children were starved
their daughter.
especially for love.
18 | Adoption
Opposite: Alexandra as she writes a statement declaring her desire to be adopted by the Harlans Left: Olya interacts with an orphan in Znamenka Below: Nate, Colleen, Bishop Daniel, Tatiana and Alexandra
Adoption | 19
A young woman named Yasya who knew English volunteered to translate between them for free as she loved the chance to speak English. Alexandra adored Yasya, and slowly Alexandra began to warm to Nate and Colleen. They were asked over and over by locals, “Why? Why would you adopt one of those children?” The answer was always the same: “Iisus” which is Russian for “Jesus.” One day when they were out with Yasya, an old man asked the couple why they would adopt Alexandra, and Nate answered through Yasya,
“why? Because we are all
adopted through Christ.”
Top: Nate and Colleen take Alexandra out for ice cream in Ukraine. Middle: Nate and Colleen show Alexandra and her friends pictures from home. Yassya (standing behind Nate and Colleen) translates. Bottom: Alexandra begins to warm to her parents.
20 | Adoption
Top: Nate and Colleen play outdoors with Alexandra while they visit the orphanage. w
Adoption | 21
After a judge and advocates approved the adoption, on August 28th 2012, three days before her sixteenth birthday Alexandra officially became Nate and Colleen’s daughter. On Alexandra’s birthday Nate and Colleen were able to take extra donated money and have a party that included all of the orphans. Instead of being abandoned and forsaken on her birthday, Alexandra celebrated her adoption and a new life. Alexandra has bonded incredibly well with her new family. She is often leaning on her “Papa” or hugging one of her siblings. She is a clever and thoughtful young woman, and almost always smiling. Thanks to the medical care that the Shriner’s Hospital has given her free of charge, Alexandra took her first steps this summer. Alexandra still has struggles ahead, but she is walking, laughing, and smiling because of hundreds of people whose lives touched hers. They all hold the belief that people matter, God’s love and mercy are boundless, and that love brought Alexandra home.
22 | Adoption
Opposite: Alexandra at the Shriner’s Children’s hospital in Philedelphia taking first steps Top: Alexandra and her siblings Bottom Left: The whole family together Family fall 2013 Right: Alexandra’s physical therapy is improving her range of motion
SPECIAL THANKS TO ROC SUSS RR KELS NATE COLEEN
Adoption | 23
The story of how Alexandra came to be with her family is an amazing one. It illustrates how one act of kindness really can make a lifechanging difference. This young woman would never have known the love of a family if it hadn’t been for a multitude of caring people around the world. They all made a difference, big or small, that ultimately brought Alexandra home.